Energy

A key challenge for society is the development of renewable energy
sources. The United States uses 200 billion gallons of fuel annually
with $12 trillion of infrastructure. The 2007 US Energy Independence
& Security Act (EISA) mandated a 36 billion gallon switch from
fossil fuels to biofuels by 2022, with 21 billion gallons being derived
from non-corn sources. In addition, the US Navy pledged to use 40%
alternative fuels by 2020.

Here at home, an Illinois state mandate requires that 25% of
electricity generated must be from renewable sources by 2025. Illinois
currently produces ~16,000 GWh of electricity and only about 6% of that
is from renewable sources, leaving significant room for growth in
renewable and alternative energy sources.

ISTC is dedicated to energy efficiency and conservation as well as
renewable energy in all sectors. Researchers at ISTC are investigating
ways to produce liquid fuels from a variety of materials that often end
up in landfills such as hard-to-recycle plastics or spent coffee
grounds. In addition, they are researching alternative energy sources.